351 Cleveland V8

Transmission Type:

Automatic

Miles:

81,877 (Actual)

Location:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Survivor is a term thrown around too easily today, so to understand what perseverance really looks like, check out this rare 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible. This is a big, beautiful drop top that came loaded in the 1970s, which means it's a time machine that's still relevant today.

The Cougar was built to be a Mustang in a dinner jacket, and 1973 was the last year Mercury fulfilled that promise. By the next year it would grow in size, weight, and there was no convertible option. So the Gold Glamour paint on this one almost seems like a tribute to the last of the great Mercury cats. It is amazing how everything still looks so good on this car from its 40+ year of remaining virtually unmolested. The chrome is complete and keeps its mirror shine. It's hard to find where a wayward stone has damaged the lenses or trim. The paint still sparkles in the sunlight, while it does show some minimal signs of its age, we think you'll want to leave it just as it is. It is that nice. In the same way a modern custom or original patina vehicle attracts a crowd today, people at car shows will be asking you about this convertible's story because its paint tells you how absolutely original this Cougar really is.

XR7 was the top of the line for the Cougar, so you can certainly expect this one to be loaded. It starts with the high back leather bucket seats that are perfect for all-day cruising. Plus, there is power everything - power seats, power windows, power steering, power convertible top, etc. There's even provisions for air conditioning. The original AM/FM radio is still in place, so you can look retro while still listening to modern tunes. Those who have driven Mustangs from this era will find something familiar about the layout of this Cougar, except there's an added premium feel. For example, you still have the same sporty sloping center console and dashboard setup, but now there's more wood trim and a substantially larger gauge package. The original feel is capped off with an interior-matching convertible boot-lid that is a handsome cover when you decide to take down the white vinyl top and let in some sunshine.

Open the hood, and you get a true lesson in survivor cars. Often the big blue air cleaner on the Cleveland 351 V8 motor would have been replaced with a chrome unit, but that wouldn't be right for this car. The numbers-matching engine stays true to its first day out of the Dearborn factory. When you pop the hood at a car show, you'll be surprised how many people will want to take a picture of the original stickers all around this engine bay. But that's only if you ever decide to stop driving this convertible. Not only does the motor fire right up and idle smoothly, but this also comes with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes with discs up front. So you know this Cougar is the perfect vintage car to take on the kind of aimless wandering drives that will have you crossing state lines.

This XR7 is a survivor with a ton of new parts included, and a keeper! There is evidence of a lot of care that went into keep this car originally pristine, and plenty of things with it to keep it that way for years. The next owner is even positioned to be the proper custodian of this history by also receiving everything from the original owner's manual, to a spare convertible top. Call now!!